Instinctively, I hold a protective arm against Alex and counter with a cautious, “Hello?”

Wayne comes around the corner. He’s wearing sheep-lined bedroom slippers, plaid pajama pants, and a maroon robe.

“Alex. Wolfgang. Good to see ya.” Seeing that it’s Wayne, I lower my arm, allowing Alex to pass. “Jack called. Updated me. My wife wanted me to come over, double-check everything is ready and okay for them to come home.”

“Will she be released from the hospital soon?”

“If Jack has anything to do with it.” Wayne rubs his forehead. He’s in pajamas, but his hair is brushed and in place. “You guys staying here?”

“For tonight.”

“You’ll be heading back tomorrow?”

“Possibly. I’m going to connect with Jack tomorrow and see what he needs.”

“Right.” Wayne steps past us, head down, shaking side to side slightly. “Can’t believe it was Larry.”

“Did you know him well?”

“Larry?” Wayne asks with a swell of incredulity. “Absolutely. He’s been on my team for, well, we were his first job out of college. Rose through the ranks pretty fast. Good kid. I’m blown away.”

“Would you mind if I took some time to talk with you about your experience with him?” Alex asks Wayne.

“Are you working with the FBI on the case?” he asks her.

“No.” Alex dips her head in a way that makes her look demure even as her height surpasses Wayne’s. “I’m hoping to do an analysis on this case. It could help criminal profilers in future cases. A case review and analysis, if you will.”

“Huh.” Wayne’s hand rests on his belly and he rubs up and down. “Sure. I’m a little swamped these days. What with doing everything for Jack and, well, he’s my first priority, but once things calm down, I should be able to work you in.”

“That would be wonderful. Thank you.”

“You must be relieved for Sophia to be found,” Alex says. The hand on Wayne’s belly stills. “I mean, you’ll have Jack back in the office.”

“Oh.” He smiles and steps to the door. “Eventually. He’ll need to be there for Sophia for quite a bit. And that’s fine.” His back is to me now, and his slippered feet slide as he shuffles to the front door. “I’ll cover as long as he needs me to. He’s like family. That’s what you do for family.” He pauses at the front door and looks over his shoulder. “Thanks. For everything. For finding Sophia. Being a good friend to Jack. All of it.” He taps the front door handle. “Lock this up behind me, okay?”

“Goodnight, Wayne,” I say.

After locking the door, I follow Alex up the side staircase that leads to the guest rooms. Our bags are in the center of the living area. In a few hours, morning light will break.

She pauses at the doors to the bedrooms with a questioning expression. She’s unsure, but I’m not. I place my hand on her hip and guide her into the bedroom.